This Is My Father

Accompanied by his disaffected teenage nephew, a disillusioned high school teacher (James Caan) travels from America to his invalid mother's native Ireland to search out the father he never knew. The family history that unravels before them is a doomed love story fraught with innocent romance and Catholic cruelty. Made by the Family Quinn - actor Aidan, cinematographer Declan, and writer-director Paul -- This is My Father stutters through an awkward, often forced frame-story as Caan listens to tales of his father while his nephew makes time with an Irish lass. In a story about family relationships, it's odd that the relationship between Caan and his nephew is not only underdeveloped but barely broached. However, when flashing back to the unlikely courtship between simple farmer Kieran O'Dea (Aidan Quinn) and impetuous teen Fiona Flynn (Moya Farrelly), the movie generates a steady, rewarding emotional pulse, even if it is a bit slow in the middle. John Cusack makes a brief appearance, as do Irish actors Stephen Rea, Brendan Gleeson, and Colm Meany. Declan Quinn's cinematography gorgeously captures the Irish green, and is presented here in a fine 1.78:1 widescreen transfer with 2.0 Dolby Surround. Commentary track with Quinns Paul and Aidan, keep-case.